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What Was Daily Life Like in Colonial Philadelphia?

Dateline: Philadelphia: 1683 to 1689: We look at the records of a devout Christian and carpenter. Church history is more than just famous preachers and theologians. It encompasses everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

He happens to be my distant ancestor, but that’s not the point of this information. The records are not boring, but speak volumes.

The dates have been modernized away from the Quaker names of the months, except the year is slashed from January 1 to March 25.

UPLAND AND CHESTER COURTS

At each meeting the justices are placed in different order, but the names haven’t changed, except where noted. Not all the cases are mentioned, just the important ones.

13 Sep 1681

Upland Court

Mr. William Clayton, William Warner, Robert Wade, Otto Ernst Cock, William Byles, Robert Lucas, Lassey Cock, and Andreas Bankson

Clayton’s son William Clayton and two sons-in-law Henry Reynolds and James Brown serve on some juries. They justices hear nine cases of assault and battery and trespass. One of the cases involved Lassey Cock, a Swedish Indian interpreter, who was accused a speaking against two white men. Apparently Indians spoke against them too. Cock declared his innocence, so the case was cleared by the court. Sixteen cases were withdrawn, one of which was Henry Reynolds suing William Cobb, but the nature of the suit was not given.

They heard four cases. They also called Henry Reynolds to answer the charge that he sold a small measure of liquor from his house. He submitted to the court and was discharged. Seven cases were withdrawn, and one was continued to the next court.

Five cases were heard; one was continued; one was thrown out; three were withdrawn; two were a nonsuit; and one defendants didn’t appear, so he lost.

14 Feb 1682

Chester Court for Chester County

William Clayton, Robert Wade, Thomas Bray, and John Bezer

One case was deferred; two cases were heard. One interesting cases involved John Martin suing Richard Dymon who owned a ship. The boatswain says he would deliver a package of goods to John Martin, but the package never arrived. Martin suspects theft. The jury finds for the plaintiff.

A Grand Inquest and a jury; various cases are heard. Henry Reynolds and Ralph Withers are allowed to administer the estate of John Hazelgrove who died intestate. James Brown and Joseph Phipps were called on to inventory and appraise the goods and land, amounting to 11£ 12d and 6s. Constables were chosen.

22 Aug 1683

Chester Court, Chester County

William Clayton, John Bezer, Thomas Brassie, Otto Ernest Cock

Henry Reynolds sued Matthias Vanderdoyden; Reynolds brought certain skins to the defendants, but the defendant said they were not sellable. The verdict: jury finds for the plaintiff. Vanderhoyden countersued, but the case was dismissed. Henry Reynolds also sued Edward Eglinton, but it was continued. Then Reynolds sued George Andrews, but it was withdrawn.

1 July 1684

Chester Court, Chester County

Wm. Clayton is not a judge.

The expense of the courthouse and prison needs to be defrayed, so every landowner needs to contribute one shilling per hundred acres, every freeman over 16 but not over 60 years old pays 6 pence, artificer 1/6 by the Polo (or pole), and every servant 3 pence, and every non-resident having land in the county should pay the same per hundred acres at the rate of one shilling six pence, per cent.

Names of the Collectors:

For Darby: Thomas Worth and Joshua Ferne;

Chichester: Thomas Usher and Jeremy Collett

Amos Land and Calcoone Hooke: William Cobb and Mons Stackett

Providence: Richard Crosby and Andrew Nelson

William Clayton and James Saunderlaine as attorneys for George Andrews offered to pass over the estate of George Andrews to Henry Reynolds, but upon further debate it was ordered to be referred to another examination.

James Browne was chosen constable for Chichester.

William Clayton and James Saunderlands are attorneys for George Andrews, to pass over his estate to Henry Reynolds, but upon further debate it was ordered to be referred to another examination. However, this Clayton may be Will Jr.

Nicholas Moore, president of the Society of Free Traders, is alleged to have spoken against the proceedings of the Governor, the Council and Assembly. He says he was inquiring about them, not asserting. He was told not to do it again.

13 Mar 1682/3

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

A bill for growing flax and hemp was drawn up and passed into law; so was a bill hindering selling servants into other provinces and to prevent runaways; about burning woods and marshes; a bill for building a house of corrections; hog stealing, destroying wolves;

17 Mar 1682/3

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

Bill of settlement and various amendments; several bills ordered to be carried to the Assembly. Wm Clarke and John Moll ordered to compare the fees of New York and Delaware and make a report to this Council. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and John Moll ordered to turn over the Duk’s laws and give a report proper for them to consider on.

20 Mar 1682/3

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

Capt. Thomas Holmes, Wm Clayton, Wm Biles and John Richardson—to whom it is referred to propose bills concerning, for example: To arrest goods in case of danger; limits of courts in criminal cases; justices of the peace to marry people.

22 Mar 1682/3

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

Put to the vote: public tax raised on land to defray public costs or charge, say yes, passed in the affirmative, none dissenting; John Moll, Wm. Clayton, John Hilliard, John Richardson, and Francis Whitwell, appointed for a committee to bring the charge of the province.

31 Mar 1683

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

Bills were discussed and passed back and forth between Council and Assembly.

The Great Charter of this Province was this night read, signed, sealed & delivered by the Governor to the inhabitants and received by the hands of James Harrison and the Speaker, who were ordered to return the Old One with the hearty thanks of the whole house, which accordingly they did.

Edmund Cantwell, Lasse Cock, Ralph Withers, John Rouds, and Edward Southern, members of the Council, were absent.

3 Apr 1683

William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of Pennsylvania and Annexed Counties

James Kilner, master of the ship Levee of Liverpool, angrily stepped on Hugh March who yelled at him. Kilner hit Hughes on the mouth and made it bleed. Others testified and Kilner was not a good man. Adjourned.

Governor proposes law that servants who run away should serve five days for every day absent and pay costs and damages, passed in the affirmative.

Kilner is brought up, and a man accused him of kicking a maid and spilling chamber pot on the deck; others bring complaints. The governor reprimanded the master (Kilner) and told his to make up the business, which he did.

Still indicting the counterfeiter. “Charles Pickering the Court has sentenced thee for rhis high misdemeanor whereof you have been found guilty by the country that you shall make full satisfaction in good and current pay to every person to brings in the base and false coin; the court fines you ten pounds toward a public courthouse.”

A proclamation was issued about the base coinage, so that Charles Pickering shall make satisfaction; the form of the proclamation is written.

9 Nov 1683

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Thomas Holmes, Wm. Clayton, Wm. Haige, Chr. Taylor

A case of conflict between John Stephens v. Evan Davis.

Another case: A ship called Mary of Southampton, Master Anthony Pryer, was called to account that his ship is not free, so the board condemns her and is forfeited. The condemnation is read.

26 Dec 1683

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Thomas Holmes, Wm. Clayton, Wm Haige, Lasse Cock

The Governor and Provincial Council having taken into serious consideration the great necessity there is of a school for the instruction & sober education of youth in the town of Philadelphia, sent for Enoch Flower, an inhabitant of the said town, who for twenty year past has been exercised in that care and employment in England, to whom having communicated their minds, be embraced it upon these following terms: to learn to read English 4s by the quarter; to learn to read and write 8s by the quarter; for boarding scholar, that is to say, diet, washing, lodging, & schooling ten pounds for one whole year.

John Songhurst and all his servants enter into recognizance of fifty pounds apiece for their good behavior; and the same goes for Andrew Griscome and Matthias Jewell;

Taxes discussed, as in the Governor proposed whether or not the people from England should not pay towards public charges or not, as well as those in the province, passed in the affirmative; making linen cloth, two sorts of clothes only, for summer and winter; men marrying at such an age; making several sorts of books for persons of the province; care be taken for the learning and instruction of the youth: a School of Arts and Sciences

7 Feb 1683/4

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Lasse Cock, Wm. Clayton, John Symcock, Tho. Holmes

The case of Margaret Matson and Yesbro Hendrickson is brought up.

20 Feb 1683/4

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Tho. Holmes, Wm. Haige, Wm. Clayton, Lasse Cock

The estate of Benjamin Acrod is discussed. His estate is to be placed in the hands of Patrick Robinson as administrator and to have a recourse to this board from time to time. The coroner determined that Acrod killed himself with strong drink, which might give the province a pretense of his estate therein. The proprietor and governor relinquished his claim on it and admonished the Council to appoint some person to take care of the estate of the said Acrod, for payment of his debts and the remainder to be disposed of according to law.

21 Feb 1683/4

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Tho. Holmes, Wm. Haige, Wm. Clayton, Chris. Taylor, Lasse Cock

The estate of John Vand Borson is considered, and men are appointed to administer it.

A debate held concerning General Assembly sitting at the town of New Castle; at last the result was that they should sit there. Wm. Clayton desiring to leave to go upland and return on second day; it was granted him.

Bill was read concerning the laws made at Upland, alias Chester; bill regarding the number of stripes laid on back, not to exceed 20. Should Indians be allowed to have rum? Passed in the affirmative. Bill about strong and small beer, mixed or unmixed, bottle or unbottled, passed in the affirmative. Bill concerning people making bargains when they’re drunk, passed in the affirmative; A bill concerning marriage, passed in the affirmative; A bill to suppress Ordinary keepers, passed in the affirmative A bill empowering justices of each county court to set wages of workmen and servants, with a penalty, passed in affirmative A bill about fixing prices for hemp and flax and wool, passed in affirmative Double the size of the council; and a quorum is nine, passed in affirmative

Bill again concerning bargains made while with strong drink; a bill concerning exporting deer skins; bill concerning finishing the prison; bill concerning stealing cattle, passed in affirmative; bill proposing our government joining W. Jersey for all warrants to apprehend all persons by law punishable, ordered to be read tomorrow

Baltimore’s people are ready to revolt because Gov. Penn has broken his promise, by not entering and clearing vessels at New Castle; if they do it Baltimore will stand by them. John Richardson and Tho. Heather & Tho. Wilson make complaint against this government and addressed Lord Baltimore that they are taxed too much;

John Richardson’s land was sued for in Maryland;

A bill about drunken bargains being made void, passed in affirmative;

A bill about marriage passed a last reading, passed unanimously;

A bill about setting workmen’s wages, passed in the affirmative;

Flax, hemp, linen woolen cloth of the produce of this country go as current pay, passed unanimously; A bill about Ordinary keepers, passed in the affirmative;

A bill concerning lands, corn, beef, pork, tobacco, hides, etc. to go for current pay, passed with no one contradicting;

Ordered that there be an exact Account kept of the members of Provincial Council, which yearly go of and yearly are chosen to serve therein;

All estates intestate’s estate divided equally, provided the eldest son shall have half of the real and personal restate, and the rest to be divided equally amongst the rest of the children, passed in the affirmative;

Ordered that James Harrison, Wm. Welch, and John Symcock and John Cann go to Kent County with a boat and good attendance to know what reasons is that Francis Whitwell, John Hilliard and John Richardson do not come up to Council to give their attendance;

Francis Whitwell informs the Council that Lord Baltimore’s commissioner Murphy was at Wm Darvall’s, John Richardson’s, John Brigg’s and Thos. Heather’s houses; also John Hilliard says he heard the same;

Ordered that the clerk take it under Francis Whitwell’s and John Hilliard’s hand that the Governor of New York ordered them to stand to the Duke’s interest; Should anyone be sent to Lord Baltimore to acquaint him of Col. Talbot’s unmil. Actions (sic); also of Murphy’s in the lower country’s, passed in the affirmative;

Resolved that orders be sent to Wm. Welch for the removal of the forceable entry of Lord Baltimore and to prosecute the persons legally, also to have some things copied out of the Duke’s laws and sent him;

Ordered that some persons go to the lower countries to settle the people’s minds; John Hilliard also declared he heard Wm. Darvall forbid the people to pay taxes to Gov. Penn;

The Governor informs the Council that he had called the Indians together and proposed to them to let them have rum if they would be contented to be punished as the English were, which they did agree to, provided that law of not selling them rum be abolished;

Johnson v. Hans (Hance) Peterson; the Governor advised them to shake hands and to forgive one another and ordered they enter bonds at fifty pounds apiece for their good abearance (sic), which they did; ordered that the records of the court concerning that business should be burned;

Ordered that Tho. Janney, John Cann, Wm. Haige, Wm. Clayton, Edward Southerin and John Hilliard attend the Governor in May after the rising of the General Assembly

Should the General Assembly may be determined within nine days without violation of Charter, also whether the Governor and Council can dismiss the General Assembly before the term of eight days, they having dispatch the business proposed to them by the Governor and Council provided they desire it, passed in the affirmative;

Whether members of the Council absent should be fined five shillings a day for not appearing now in Council … passed in the affirmative;

Whether fines can be levied on the goods and chattles of the absent member, passed in the affirmative;

John Songhurst and John Hart declare that they heard the Speaker say that the proposed laws were cursed laws; John Growdon and Francis Fincher also were present at John White’s when the laws were read over and he said hang it, damn them all;

Ordered that Wm. Welch and Tho. Lloyd go to the Assembly to let them know that the Governor takes it very ill;

Inspection of the journal of the last sessions of the Provincial Council and General Assembly;

Where the Charter of Liberty is to be kept and if shown to the respective counties; the original should be kept in the hands of the master of the roles, under the Great Seal; Lines changed in the Charter

29 May 1684

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Wm. Welch, Wm. Clayton, Tho. Lloyd, Luke Watson, Tho. Holmes

Commissioners and commissions discussed;

30 May 1684

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Wm. Welch, Tho. Holmes, Tho. Lloyd, Luke Watson, Wm. Clayton

Bill of Public Aid

31 May 1684

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Wm. Welch, Tho. Holmes, Tho. Lloyd, Luke Watson, Wm. Clayton

Discussion of Public Aid

4 June 1684

Wm Penn, Proprietor and Governor

Wm. Welch, Tho. Holmes, Tho. Lloyd, Luke Watson, Wm. Clayton

On the previous day (Wm. Clayton was absent), Wm. Darvall’s petition concerning a bastard child was read; another petition of Wm. Darvall’s concerning his disloyalty to the Governor in denying to pay his rent and advising others the same; and denying a warrant to apprehend men coming out of Maryland. On this day Wm. Darvall withdrew his petitions and the committee made return thus: That he having done so, they would let the business fall; the Governor was pleased to bring the Declaration to quell the people of Maryland;

The Governor informs the Council that he sent a letter to Col. Talbot to know what the Lord Baltimore would do in answer to Gov. Dungan’s letter, which was to this effect: to let things remain as they were till such time as there is a decision made by the King and Council; he also will stay his Declaration till he hears what Talbot says;

Samuel Land’s letter was read, informing the Governor and Council that Jonas Askins heard Col. say that if Gov. Penn should come into Maryland he would seize him and his retinue in their journey to Fort Susquehannah;

Wm. Clark complains of wring down to him by false reports of things done amiss in Open Court. The persons’ names are John Edminson and Wm. Darvall;

President’s members of the Council are appointed a committee to inspect the Virginia Laws and to prepare such things out of them as may be useful for this province.

Ordered that John Edminson and Griffith Jones be sent for and they attested that Wm. Clarke said it is easier to live under Penn’s government than Baltimore’s govt. Edminson said that he went to Penn for land patents in County of Kent and then went to Baltimore and got his patents for the said patents. Clarke told the people that Lord Baltimore denied that ever he had given out a proclamation to encourage the people to settle at the “whore Kills” (sic) as one of his untruths. Joseph Bowles, aged 31 years, living near Iron Hill about 8 miles … from New Castle being attested says that about ten days since Col. Talbot rode up to his house and was ready to ride over him and said, “Damn you, you dog, whom do you seat under here, you dog! You seat under nobody; you have no warrant from Penn, no my Lord; therefore get you gone or else he sent you to St. Mary’s”; and I being frightened, says he, you brazen faced, impudent, confident dog! I’ll shorten Penn’s Territories by & by; and the neighbors said they saw Bowles’ his land surveyed away.

Wm. Welch being deceased, the members of the Council for New Castle County informed the Council of the want of one in his place, passed in the affirmative;

Information being given that widow Ogles’ hay was thrown into the Creek and Andrew Stelle’s clothes torn by Col. Talbot people who did by his order, Edmund Catwell and John Cann were ordered to inspect the truth of it and to make speedy report;

Wm. Clayton and Robert Turner attested Justices of the Peace for the County of Philadelphia;

Wm. Penn, Proprietor and Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania and Territories thereunto belonging:

To my trusty and loving Friends, Nicholas Moore, Wm. Welch, Wm. Wood, Robert Turner, and John Eckly. Greeting: Reposing special confidence in your justice, wisdom and integrity, I do, by virtue of the King’s authority, derived unto me, constitute you provincial judges for the Province and Territories, both fixed and circular, as is by law directed, giving you and every of you full power to act therein according to the same; strictly charging you and every of of you to do justice to all and of all degrees, without delay, fear, favor, or reward; and I do hereby requires all persons within the Province and Territories aforesaid, to give you the due obedience and respect belonging to your station in the discharge of your duties.

Ralph Fretwell complains that the he cannot have his land laid out by reason of the contention of the surveyor. Tho. Holmes being sent to by the Clerk of the Council to know his reason of not issuing out his warrant to survey the said Ralph Fretwell’s land, his answer was he would not issue out his warrant to Charles Ashcom, but he would issue out his warrant according to the his commission.

Whereupon the Council made this warrant following: For as much as Ralph Fretwell has made this complaint to us that he cannot have his land surveyed and laid out according to the Governor’s Warrant, we having sent to Tho. Holmes to put the said warrant in execution, vizt: to direct Charles Ashcom, surveyor of the County of Chester, to lay out the same, and he refusing so to do; There are therefore to will and requires you forthwith to survey or cause to be surveyed unto Ralph Fretwell the said tract of land, beginning half mile above Concord and see through New Town, saving every man’s right there already surveyed to them in the said township and so up N. N. W. till you come to the full extent on that side and so onwards until the said warrant be accomplished by a square of ten or twelve miles or any quantity that may be contained in the same, according to the true intent and meaning of the Governor’s warrant; James Harrison and John Symcock were ordered to discourse Tho. Haines concerning Ralph Fretwell. Adjourned till 25th 8 Mo. 84 (25 Oct 1684)

25 Oct 1684

Thomas Lloyd, President

Wm. Haige, Wm. Clayton, Luke Watson, James Harrison, Wm. Clark Matters about a French ship; Provincial Council draw up and endeavor to ascertain the legal bounds and jurisdictions of the courts;

From here on William Clayton is no longer part of the Council.

Added: 25 July 2018

10 July 1700

At a Council held at Philadelphia, Tuesday

Wm. Penn, Proprietor and Governor

This case concerns 1686, and William Clayton adjudicated the dispute

Edward Shippen, Robert Turner, Samuel Carpenter, John Moll, William Clark, Thomas Story

Transcription begins:

Upon reading the petition of James Streeter, setting forth that in 1686 he sent hither [to here] a man and his wife bound to him for 4 years that the woman died at sea, and the man soon after came hither and that with him he sent a boy bound to him for 3 years and about £40 sterling, to take up his land;

That the said servant man made a will and gave the petitioners’ servant boy, Edward James, his time and all the said goods;

And that the boy concealing it that he was servant to any other that the petitioner’s man, John Honnets;

The Court bound out the said boy to John Redman, bricklayer, for 4 years, who choose him for his guardian, who administered on the said petitioner’s goods, apprized at £38.4.7 and some of them at an undervalue.

That the petitioner wrote to Wm. Clayton about it, who told said Redman that the said goods and boy were the petitioner’s and that said Redman had the petitioner’s writing in his hands, which he lately [recently] has delivered to him; and that said Redman hand James have the said good between them or the value of them; and that the said Redman has said he will never pay the petitioner, pretending he has paid the said James, who says he has received but £9; and that said Redman sold the said James to one freeman for 20I [sic, Indres?] and paid himself with 20 li [livre?] of his goods and therefore desiring justice.

The petitioner produced Indres [sic] for said John and Martha Honnets, under their hands and seals, as also the nuncupative will of said John as it stands recorded in the Office of Probate and Wills, etc.; and an obligation under the hands and seals of John Redman and William Freeman, his surety, to administer the estate of said John and Inventory.

Ordered that Samuel Carpenter speak to said Redman about the said petition and to know of him whether he will leave it to the decision of men.

Transcription ends.

The case looks complicated, and it looks like William Clayton’s job as a justice of the peace was to solve such cases. He had a practical, business mind.